Demorian Linton, Founder & CEO, Inertia Resources Inc

In an interview with Invest:, Demorian Linton, founder and CEO of Inertia Resources emphasized Houston’s strategic role as an energy hub, calling it “the right place at the right time.” He outlined the company’s premium brokerage model and its focus on long-term energy contracts as key differentiators.

What makes Houston an ideal location for Inertia Resources’ operations?

Houston is the energy capital of the world. Many energy suppliers are based here, particularly around the 59 and Kirby corridor. Currently, Houston ranks second in the United States for new energy meter installations, just behind Dallas. That signaled major growth and development, and it’s one of the reasons we’re here. When new meters go in, there’s a need for proper energy management, which is exactly what we provide. For us, Houston is the right place at the right time.

What sets Inertia Resources apart in the energy brokerage space?

We are one of the only premium energy brokers in the United States. Rather than working with 15 to 20 suppliers like most brokers, we focus on fewer, stronger relationships, which is critical for managing complex, large-scale accounts. Our acceptance rate is over 97%, and our pricing tends to be 4% to 6% more competitive than others. We also take a “customer-forward” approach, making sure clients take advantage of every available product to reduce their energy costs as much as possible.

What makes Houston attractive to businesses looking to expand or relocate?

There’s a lot of space. Compared to cities on the East Coast like New York or Boston, Houston is incredibly spread out. You could probably fit all of New Jersey, Connecticut, New York, and Long Island inside Houston’s Beltway. That means more land, more real estate opportunities, and more room for development. When you add in lower housing costs and overall affordability, you can see why businesses and individuals from places like California and New York are choosing Texas.

How is Inertia Resources helping clients meet sustainability goals?

A lot of companies have sustainability goals, but they aren’t sure how to reach them. Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) scores have become crucial, not just for image but for securing investment and even loans. We help companies purchase renewable energy certificates (RECs), both standard and site-specific. Site-specific RECs allow clients to identify exactly where their green energy comes from, which significantly boosts their ESG ratings. This is especially important for large companies pursuing ambitious sustainability targets.

What services are in highest demand, and what is driving that interest?

Clients are increasingly recognizing that energy is a volatile commodity but also predictable over the long term. Energy rates have risen 2% to 4% annually since the 1980s, driven largely by inflation. We advise clients to renew early and lock in long-term contracts if their credit allows. With natural gas prices currently low — thanks in part to the United States becoming the world’s largest exporter following a major pipeline disruption — many businesses are securing 10- to 15-year energy contracts. Smaller businesses often don’t realize how much they can save by planning ahead.

How is Inertia Resources integrating technology to improve client services and internal operations?

We’ve developed an internal CRM and partner with suppliers that use advanced energy management systems. These platforms allow clients to monitor their energy usage in real time, identify inefficiencies, and understand the logic behind our recommendations. Transparency is key, especially for clients using more complex products like block and index pricing. This tech allows us and our clients to forecast costs, detect anomalies, and adjust strategies proactively.

What is your perspective on the labor market in Houston, and how is Inertia building its talent pipeline?

Houston’s energy-focused workforce is a perfect fit for us. We relaunched our Houston office six months ago, and it’s already our top-performing location. Unlike places like New York or Boston, where energy isn’t as central to the economy, Houstonians understand our industry. We haven’t faced challenges hiring here — it’s been quite the opposite. We’re also active in the community, educating consumers on energy savings and building a strong local presence.

Are there any regulatory or policy issues on your radar that could impact your operations or your clients?

The biggest issue is energy regulation. Only 22 states are currently deregulated, meaning in 28 states, consumers have no choice in their energy providers. That lack of competition leads to higher costs. In deregulated states, consumers can shop around, lock in rates, and access green energy options. States like Arizona and Nevada are considering deregulation, and we hope others follow. Deregulation isn’t just good for business; it helps people save money and introduces more transparency and fairness into the system.

Our government needs to seriously consider nationwide deregulation. Letting people choose their providers and locking in long-term rates could save businesses and households billions. But the people benefiting from deregulated markets don’t usually speak up — it’s the rare complaints that get attention. We need to hear more from the majority who are saving money, so states see the value of competition in energy markets. It’s about creating a fairer, more transparent system for everyone.

What does community engagement look like for Inertia?

We recently raised $30,000 at a breast cancer awareness event in Boston for the Miss Pink Organization, which supports women undergoing treatment. We’ve also launched our Inertia Foundation’s Monthly Award, where we cover a family or individual’s energy bills for a year. It’s a way for us to give back and support those who might be going through tough times. We started the initiative pre-COVID but had to pause. Now, it’s back, and we’re proud of that impact.

What are your top priorities for the next two to three years?

Our main goal is to have a physical presence in every deregulated state — 22 offices in total. While many competitors operate remotely, we believe being physically present builds trust and relationships. Energy isn’t an impulsive purchase; it’s a slow, incremental cost. People often don’t notice their bills increasing by a few percent each year until it adds up. Being present helps us explain that, show them their options, and secure better rates. In-person conversations still matter, and that’s how we plan to grow.